History
Kano derived its name from the ancestor of the Abagayawa -the earliest settler, who migrated from Gaya in search of ironstone and chemicals. Kano State was first created under this name on May 27, 1967, when Nigeria assumed the twelve states structure. Being the most populous state, on August 27. 1991 Jigawa State was carved out from it and it now composed only of Kano Emirate.
People & Culture
Kano State is a predominantly Hausa-Fulani state and it consists of wooded savanna in the south and scrub vegetation in the north snd is drained by the Kano-Chalewa-Hadejia river system. Most inhabitants of the state are farmers producing crops such as millet, rice, cassava, date palms, fruits, vegetables, sorghum, wheat, sweet potato, sugarcane, groundnut, cotton etc.

Public Notice:

Due to the recent violent attacks in Kano and some other part of northern Nigeria cities/towns, visitors are advised not to travel up north for safety purpose. Please wait until you are told to do so by the Nigerian security agency.

Geography
It borders with Jigawa State to the north and east, Bauchi, Plateau and Kaduna States to the south, Katsina State to the west and northwest. The state has more than 18,684 square kilometres (7,214 sq mi) of cultivable land and is the most extensively irrigated state in the country.

Weather/Climate
Kano State’s mean annual rainfall ranges from over 1,000mm in the extreme south to a little less than 800mm in the extreme north. The rains usually last for three to five months with mean temperature ranges from 26°C to 33°C.

There are four seasons within the state; a dry and cool season, Kaka, (mid-November to February), marked by cool and dry weather plus occasional dusty haze; the dry and hot season, bazara (March to mid-May) when temperatures climb up to 40°C and which is a transition period between the harmattan and the wet season; the wet and warm season, damina (mid-May to September), is the proper wet season when the lowest temperature is recorded; and a dry warm season, rani (October to mid-November) marked by high humidity and high temperature next to bazara in hotness.

AttractionsThe Durbar Festival
Kano State Durbar or Hawan Sallah as it’s locally called is a royal parade of thousands of men on horses adorned with garments and regalia. It is a colourful display of culture full of pomp and pageantry. A spectacular traditional concert of and bazaar of African music.
Kofar Matar Dyeing Pits
The Kano indigo-vegetable dyeing pits ae one of the most fascinating aspects of the old city. Various designs are folded into the material before dyeing and the fabric is often beaten to achieve the shiny, indescent appearance. The techniques employed to obtain this look are unmatched around the world. And, although the methods they use are ancient, these lush works of art on fabric always remain extremely popular and continue to be in great demand.
Kano State History Museum
This history museum at Gidan Dan Hausa house has a collection of artefacts from stone age to present day within the colonial house of the governor from the 1900’s. A friendly tour guide will explain all objects to tourists.
Kano City Gates & Walls
During the reign of Sarkin Kano Usman Giji Masu Dan Wasiri, the grandson of Bagauda, the third King in the Habe dynasty he decided to build and surround the ancient city with a wall as protection against external invaders. This was the year 1112 AD!
Emir of Kano’s Palace, Kano
Also known as “a settlement within a settlement”, the palace was created by Abudullahi Bayero, the father of present Alhaji Ado Bayero (Emir of Kano). This present day Emir of Kano’s palace provides an insight into the typical Hausa architectural design that has been existence for well over five hundred years.
Gidan Dan Hausa, Kano
This is an excellent example of Hausa traditional mud-walled architecture which was built in 1905 as the former and restored home of Hans Vischer, a Swiss – born teacher who contributed much to Nigeria’s education system during colonial times. He was appointed Director of Education for Northern Nigeria by the colonial authorities and by 1914 had established over 1,000 primary schools in the north including one in the grounds of the house. He was known as “Dan Hausa” “son of Hausa” because he spoke the language so well. Today the house is an interesting museum with rooms dedicated to arts and crafts, Durbar costumes and gowns previously worn by Emirs.
Falgore Game Reserve
The 1000sqkm game reserve was established as Kogin Kano Forest reserve in 1949 located in southwestern part of Kano along Kano-Jos road, about an hour and a half journey from Kano city. It is a big forest reserve that is evergreen all the season and has various species of wildlife animals such as jackal, leopard, serval, hartebeest, bush baby, spotted hyena, buffalo, warthog, oribi, red fronted gazelle, red flanked duiker, bushbuck, patas monkey, green monkey etc.
Buturiya Wetland Game Reserve
Buturiya is a game sanctuary located 40km from Hadejia. It is an important wintering-ground for migrant birds from the Pale arctic regions of Europe, north-western coast of Africa and Asia. Buturiya wetland is very rich and a sanctuary for the pelican, knob-billed goose, yellow- billed stork, grey hornbill and white- faced duck etc.
Gidan Makama Museum
Located opposite the Emirs Palace, Gidan Makama is a palace built in the 15th century by the 20th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Rumfa (1463-1499). The well maintained compound is great example of the palaces built by the aristocrats who ruled the medieval Sahel. The building’s windows were designed to maximize ventilation and the pillars and gateways are decorated with geometric designs picked out in white. Inside the rooms, white-painted ribs and columns support roofs of split palm wood.
Minjibir Weaving Centre
This is an area where the ancient weaving industry still thrives. Walking through this typical African Village, you can watch local weavers at their daily work.
Dala & Goron Dustse Hills
The two hills are undulating landscape around Kano, both within the circumference of the walled city. The two hills provide full view of the horizon around the state capital from their tops. Hence, visitors often climb the hills for what may be described as the aerial view of Kano city and the expansive land beyond.
Mallam Kato Square, Kano
This square in Kano metropolis is a recreation centre erected on a piece of land initially settled by a Quranic mallam who, when displaced by the British colonial powers, prophesized that no Hausa would b erected there.
Dawakin Tofa Pottery
In Dawakin Tofa you can see pottery making at its best. Almost every citizen at Dawakin knows this art and it is still practiced in most homes.

Eating OutNot yet posted

ShoppingKurmi Market
Kurmi market is one of Africa’s oldest local market. It is located in the old city and is a maze of narrow alleys where you can find pretty much anything, shop for everything from carvings, calabashes, to to jewellery, brassworks, leather goods and pottery.

DONATE TO HELP US GROW

DONATIONS TO HELP US GROW WILL BE WELL APPRECIATED!Please use the PayPal button or our account information below to donate towards our efforts to promote the other side of Nigeria that so many people don't see or hear about!